The AFC East features the best QB in the NFL, two others who are steady but unspectacular for your fantasy team, and a rookie.
1. Tom Brady
The encore to his record-breaking, 50 TD season was a severe knee injury in week one that put Brady out for the entire 2008 season, with some concern that it would carry into this season.
But from the little we saw of a recent minicamp workout, he appears to be ahead of schedule and set to go from the start.
If so, with Moss, Welker, and now Galloway—who’ll most likely be called upon to run post patterns—look for another top-tier season with over 4,000 yards and 35-40 TDs.
Trent Edwards
In his brief two-year career, Edwards has been efficient, but not flashy. The system and personnel have deterred big numbers, and in 2008 he finished with 2,699 yards and 11 TDs.
This year, things could be vastly different. Owens arrival gives Edwards a huge target to throw to and makes Evans more dangerous. And with RB Lynch out for the first three games, the passing game should be more relied on. Look for Edwards, who looks like a nice fantasy sleeper pick, to take a big step forward with over 3,500 yards and 20 TDs.
Chad Pennington
Pennington is as steady as they come and an extremely cerebral QB. That’s not the problem; the problem is he lacks a big arm and rarely posts the numbers you need to be a top-flight fantasy QB. He still managed over 3,600 yards and 19 TDs.
This year it looks like more of the same, or a slight drop off, as the Dolphins have the league’s toughest schedule. But some of the younger receivers (Ginn, Camarillo, Bess) are maturing, and that could lead to some big plays. Look for another 3,250-3,500 yards and 17-20 TDs.
Mark Sanchez
In two years, he’ll probably be second on this list. But not as a rookie. The first round pick from USC has a very strong arm, pinpoint accuracy, and is a great all-around athlete. However, he will be utilized much like Joe Flacco was in year one, as a game manager.
Expect between 2,000-2,500 yards and 10-12 TDs.
Draft Tip
Brady went as high as No. 2 in the draft last year but won’t go until round two this year, as there’s still concern over his knee. Edwards and Pennington will go around the same time, probably after round eight. Sanchez will only be drafted as a number three with the hopes that he turns out like Matt Ryan, which is extremely unlikely.
JOHNNY P
June 30th, 2009 at 19:40
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I DISAGREE WITH BRADY GOING THAT LOW, HE'S THE BEST TO EVER PLAY QB AND IN A SYSTEM THAT PLAYS TO ALL HIS STRENGTH'S WITH A AWESOME SUPPORTING CAST I WOULD TAKE HIM IN WITH A TOP 10 PICK THE UPSIDE IS JUST TO ENORMOUS TO OVER LOOK.
Josh
June 30th, 2009 at 20:22
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Johnny, as we get closer to the season and see just how healthy his knee is, and how confident he is planting that left leg into a throw when the pass rush is on, his ranking could change and he could sneak back into the bottom half of the 1st round.
But until that point, I don't think people will invest a 1st round pick into a guy coming off a very serious knee injury.
darrick
July 2nd, 2009 at 03:41
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Yo, Just wanted to say, i like your notes. And like the Sanchez note. USC all the way!
Who can we expect to be sleepers? or do you think its to early to tell?
dbax
darrickbaxter@gmail.com
http://www.therunningback.com
darrick
July 2nd, 2009 at 07:41
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Yo, Just wanted to say, i like your notes. And like the Sanchez note. USC all the way!
Who can we expect to be sleepers? or do you think its to early to tell?
dbax
darrickbaxter@gmail.com
http://www.therunningback.com